What is the name of the process by which organisms maintain a stable internal environment?

Homeostasis is the process by which organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions. This involves regulating various physiological parameters such as temperature, pH, hydration, and nutrient levels to ensure that cells function optimally. For example, humans maintain a body temperature around 98.6°F (37°C) even when external temperatures fluctuate. This stability is crucial for survival, as it allows the organism to perform necessary biological functions and respond to environmental stressors.

In contrast, metabolism refers to all chemical reactions that occur within the body, including those that break down nutrients for energy and those that build up components for growth and repair. Translocation is a specific process in plants involving the movement of nutrients and water through the plant's vascular system. Photosynthesis, on the other hand, is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose. While all these processes are essential for life, homeostasis specifically relates to the internal regulation of an organism's environment.